by the first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the first" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a deadline or a specific point in time, often indicating that something should be completed or addressed by that date. Example: "Please ensure that all reports are submitted by the first of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The activity succeeded by the first standard.

University of California, Berkeley

Judging by the first episode, that's true.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

debate and discussion that are contemplated by the First Amendment.

Cornell University

Defined this way by the first two variables.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1r-17v, all by the first scribe, in brown ink.

Yale University

Hateful speech IS protected by the First Amendment.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

These are legitimate rhetorical tools protected by the First Amendment.

HuffPost

Reverse transcription followed by the first-round PCR was performed.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Occupancy is expected by the first quarter of 1999.

The New York Times

I understand satire, semiotics and stand by the First Amendment.

TechCrunch

The Junta was replaced by the First Triumvirate.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting deadlines, use "by the first" followed by the month to provide a clear and specific timeframe. For example, "Submit your applications by the first of November."

Common error

Avoid using "by the first" when you need a more specific date. It's best suited for indicating the first day of a month, not a general early period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the first" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating a deadline or a specific point in time when something should be completed or available. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

35%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by the first" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate a deadline or starting point. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase of time, serving to establish clear timeframes in various contexts. It's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific sources. While alternatives like "at the beginning" or "initially" exist, "by the first" offers clarity and specificity when denoting the first day of a month or a similar reference point. Remember to avoid vagueness and ensure its use aligns with the intended meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first

Indicates the initial experience or stage.

by the outset

Similar to "by the first", but with a greater emphasis on commencement.

at the beginning

Focuses on the initial stage rather than a specific deadline.

initially

Emphasizes the starting point or original condition.

on day one

More informal and emphasizes the very start of something.

in the early stages

Highlights the initial phase of a process or project.

to begin with

Highlights the commencement or inception of something.

at the inception

Emphasizes the starting point or creation of something.

before anything else

Focuses on prioritization over a temporal reference.

from the get-go

Informal term that suggests the beginning of a process or project.

FAQs

How can I use "by the first" in a sentence?

You can use "by the first" to indicate a deadline or a starting point. For example, "All applications must be submitted by the first of next month" or "The project should be completed by the first quarter".

What can I say instead of "by the first"?

Alternatives include "at the beginning", "initially", or "at first", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "by the 1st" instead of "by the first"?

Yes, "by the 1st" is a common abbreviation for "by the first" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, particularly when writing informally. However, "by the first" is more formal and may be preferable in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "by the first" and "on the first"?

"By the first" indicates a deadline that includes the first day of a period. "On the first" refers specifically to that single day. For instance, "Submit your report by the first of July" means any time up to and including July 1st, while "The meeting is on the first of July" means the meeting will take place only on July 1st.